International Journal of Advanced Biotechnology and Research(IJBR) ISSN 0976-2612, Online ISSN 2278–599X, Vol5, Issue3, 2014, pp438-451 http://www.bipublication.com Isolation and Screening of Cellulolytic Actinomycetes from Diverse Habitats Payal Das, Renu Solanki and Monisha Khanna* Acharya Narendra Dev College, University of Delhi, Govindpuri, Kalkaji, New Delhi 110 019 *Corresponding author: Dr. Monisha Khanna, Associate Professor in Zoology, Acharya Narendra Dev College, University of Delhi, Govindpuri, Kalkaji, New Delhi 110019, Email:
[email protected],
[email protected], Tel: +91-011-26293224; Fax: +91-011-26294540 [Received 25/06/2014, Accepted-17/07/2014] ABSTRACT Cellulases have become the focal biocatalysts due to their wide spread industrial applications. Wide variety of bacteria in the environment permits screening for more efficient cellulase producing strains. The study focuses on isolation and screening of cellulase producing actinomycetes. The isolates from varied ecological habitats were subjected to primary screening. Between 80-90 % isolates were found to produce cellulase enzyme. Among the isolates tested, colonies 51, 157, 194 and NRRL B-16746 ( S. albidoflavus ) showing appreciable zones of clearance were selected for secondary screening. Enzyme activity was determined in crude and in partially purified extracts. NRRL B-16746 S. albidoflavus (1.165 U/ml/min) showed maximum activity followed by colony 194 (0.995 U/ml/min), colony 51 (0. 536 U/ml/min), colony 157 (0.515 U/ml/min) and NRRL B-1305 ( S. albogriseolus ; positive control) (0.484 U/ml/min). The taxonomic status of isolates 51,157 and 194 was studied by polyphasic approach including morphological and biochemical characterization.